Every once in a while you come across a stamp set that brings out the best in you, inspiring you the more you use it ... Melissa Bickford's newest set, Wishing You, is THAT kind of set. When I first saw the black & white mock-up of the set on my computer screen, I liked it and thought it would be a great addition to our line-up. Who wouldn't love a fun tulip building set? But then when that stamp set actually started seeing some ink, my creativity just went into overdrive. A set that I initially thought to be quite modern, ended up being so unbelievably versatile in style. It was then that I knew it would quickly become one of my favorites to work with.
For my post today, I decided to just show you a few things I created while I was *playing* around and experimenting with this new set. I know that I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of all the possibilities this set holds! But here's a start!
My first project is intended to represent the wonderful feelings we get when spring has finally broken through the doldrums of winter! (I even decided to take some special photos of the project outside with the new green grass and all that spring sunshine!) This card pairs our new color for March, Hibiscus Burst (more about that tomorrow!) and on of last month's colors, New Leaf. The grid pattern on the Classic Kraft cardstock was created with Journaling Lines and Fresh Snow ink.
The transparency card base is made from a new product being released at Papertrey Ink, clear cardstock. Heavyweight 8.5 x 11" acetate sheets will be added to our store on March 15th with the 10 sheet packages retailing for $6. The strength of these sheets allows you to create sturdy card bases with ease. Just use your Scor-Pal to score the center fold repeatedly and you'll see success each and every time!
I love how this "tulip trio" stem allows me to mix and match different types of tulips in each of the three appropriate areas. This type of design makes it easy to integrate a different color for each bloom as well. I love how the medium sized polka dot tulip coordinated with my Hibiscus Burst Bitty Dot ribbon (wow, say that five times fast! *wink*)
For the interior of the card, I repeated the same tulip images and added the "make a wish" sentiment from this set underneath it in Dark Chocolate ink. I am just in LOVE with Melissa's font choices. I think it's fresh and modern and many of them work perfectly with the tulip images nestled above or beside them. Additionally, the sentiments actually inspired the name of the set, because each one begins with the words "Wishing you...". Isn't Melissa so clever!
Just to help demonstrate the versatility of each and every image in this set, this project uses the same "tulip trio" stem that I used in the last project, only this time stamped in Ripe Avocado. I just used the small solid tulip topper for all three of the stems in Pure Poppy. I just LOVE how vivid our Pure Poppy ink is! If you own it already, then you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, well, then what are you waiting for?!?!? The patterned paper was created with the same focal point image, repeated randomly on white cardstock. I sponged just the slightest bit of distress ink around the outside edges of my card for a bit of a warmer, homey look.
The sentiment is one of Dawn McVey's from Handwritten Notes (this particular one has become one of my favorites from the set! I stamped it in our EXCLUSIVE True Black ink. (If you haven't heard about it's perks, you can read up on it HERE!) The bold Pure Poppy grosgrain ribbon really helps to add some dimension and texture to my project. Three black brads along the left side of the sentiment block help to add visual balance.
Isn't it amazing how different the *look & feel* of this project is when compared to the first project? I love it when a stamp set can deliver that type of versatility for me.
Next up is an anniversary card I created to show how this set can also go a bit elegant. I am SO in love with this oval cameo tulip image from the set. I think it's just SO beautiful! I matted it with it's coordinating super jumbo (blue) scalloped oval punch using spring moss cardstock. The actual band was made with Classic Kraft cardstock and Polka Dot Basics. The Ocean Tides card base layer is stamped with Damask Designs using versamark ink. I took a shortcut with that and only stamped around the perimeter of this layer, since the small band around the outside edge would be showing!
Allow me to also mention that this is not your ordinary card. The band slides off, allowing the recipient to pull up the vellum layer and see the photograph. The space underneath the photo is the perfect place to write a sentimental handwritten sentence or two. The same design could be used for an invitation as well.
This is a smaller gift enclosure card, measuring 3.5 x 4.5". I just think it's completely adorable! This *tulip wish* sentiment that Melissa designed is fabulous! I just love the way that the "i" has been replaced with the tulip stem. Since it is just the stem that has been added there, it allows you the freedom to add whichever tulip top you prefer, in any color you desire! I chose the smallest solid version and stamped it in Plum Pudding ink.
The frame was created by punching a 1-3/8" standard square from the Spring Moss Bitty Dot Basics paper. I then inverted my Giga scalloped square punch and centered the opening. A layer of Ripe Avocado cardstock was added, which was created with a 1-1/4" square punch opening and adhered underneath the scalloped frame. Notice the background? I created a gingham type pattern using the stripe stamp included in Background Basics: Retro. It is stamped with Vintage Cream ink onto Classic Kraft cardstock.
This last project is super simple and easy to mass-produce several at a time. I plan on making a large batch using a variety of sentiments to add to my card stash. The color combo here is Berry Sorbet and Ripe Avocado (yum!). The background was embossed with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder. Lots of layers of white on this project, which I think gives a really clean and refreshing finished project.
I cut the tulip portion out and raised it on a foam dimensional for a little added detail. I love how this set gives me the versatility to create a variety of different sized tulips. It really allows you to cater the image to the vision you have for each & every project. Once again, I just have to say how much I love these font choices! The sentiments stamp SO crisply and cleanly, especially with the True Black ink! I know I will be using them with other images in my collection!
So, can you see the versatility I am referring to now! Which of today's projects spoke to you the most? Which one do you think you will be most likely to recreate yourself when you get your very own copy of Wishing You? How about we give you a chance to WIN a set, just for letting us know what you think of these first peeks at it!
One lucky winner will be chosen randomly to win their own Wishing You stamp set!
The Fine Print: Only one comment per person please. Contest will close at 9am EST, Wednesday March 11th. Winner will be announced by noon EST HERE, on our official March Release Prize Page. Winner will be responsible for contacting Customer Service to claim prize.
Melissa has created some inspiring eye candy for you with her very own set that you will definitely not want to miss!
As I mentioned during the sneak peeks, Lauren was DYING to get her hands on this set and show all of you what her plans were for it! Be sure to stop by HER BLOG today to see what she has created with this amazing set!
Lisa Johnson also has a new set releasing this month! She has posted a few peeks today that will allow to start seeing what her set is all about!!!
CLICK HERE for the complete supply lists for all the above projects!
